Barros Silva Varela & Vigil

Adept at counselling clients on regulatory compliance, environmental law and in administrative litigation, Barros Silva Varela & Vigil's public law department works across sectors including real estate, energy and public procurement. With a particular focus on representing clients before government bodies, the firm’s expertise takes in energy and urban planning regulations, and sees the group frequently advising real estate developers on zoning and building permits, and energy companies on compliance and litigation before regulatory agencies. The team has handled a number of high-impact cases, recently, including the representation of numerous Chilean senators before the Constitutional Court to challenge and nullify an environmental law decree. The practice is co-led by Claudia Ferreiro, who brings over a decade of experience in public institutions and has a particular specialism in environmental impact assessments; and Felipe Riesco, a highly experienced regulatory lawyer and former Undersecretary of the Environment, who often handles administrative disputes and permitting before regulatory bodies and courts. Associate José Ignacio Vial focuses on environmental impact assessments and regulatory compliance, advising clients on legal strategies, administrative procedures and project approvals subject to Chile’s Environmental Impact Assessment System.